Fresno State Students Face New Fees

Fresno State students just moved into campus. Now they're facing a looming deadline to pay recent fee hikes. The university said the state's budget crisis forced it to increase fees. The C.S.U. board of trustees voted last month to increase fees by $336-dollars for a full time undergraduate. That amount is on top of a 10-percent fee increase approved this past spring. Students will have to find the money or eventually they could be dropped.

On Thursday, students got a big welcome to campus. They even got their beds made by President John Welty. "I've done a little bit of everything today," said Welty.

President Welty spent the morning meeting students and their families. He answered tough questions about recent budget cuts and increased fees. "I was asking him what was the cutbacks as far as kids he said next year will be the bigger cutbacks," said parent Mike Best.

This year, undergraduates must pay nearly $500-dollars more per semester. Students have until Friday, August 21st to pay the new fees.

Fresno State President John Welty said, "There are staff available to work out alternative payment arrangements. There are ways to do monthly payments and some other arrangements we can make for students."

Aside from budget concerns, move in day for students means meeting new roommates and friends. Students arrived by the hundreds, arms loaded with comforts of home.

President Welty said this school year will be a success despite the tough economic climate that's led to cutbacks and tuition hikes. But if a student doesn't pay the fees, they will be dropped from their classes. "In the end if someone doesn't pay, that will happen. But I think there's no reason why we can't work something out for any student that needs some help at his point," said Welty.

Students should see the new fees already posted to their accounts. The university recommends students check their email and campus websites for updates.